Kuapada Bakresvara Temple, Odisha

Address

Kuapada Bakresvara Temple, Odisha

Kuapada Village,

Gop Block, Puri District,

Odisha 752015

Moolavar

Bakresvara

Introduction

Bakresvara Temple (also known as Vani Vakresvara Temple or Bani Bakresvara Temple) Kuapada Village, Gop Block, Puri District, Odisha, India

Puranic Significance 

Historical Significance:

• The Bakresvara Temple was constructed in the 12th century CE by the Ganga dynasty.

Architecture and Structure:

• Orientation: The temple faces west and is situated on a raised platform.
• Components: The temple consists of a rekha vimana (main sanctum), pidha jagamohana (assembly hall), and a modern mandapa.
• Plan: Both the vimana and jagamohana are square in plan.
• Presiding Deity: The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Bakresvara, in the form of a patalaphuta Linga placed within a circular yonipitha made of chlorite stone.
• Interior Decor: The interior of the jagamohana is adorned with pilaster designs and features four udyotasimha (ceiling projections).
• Exterior Decor: The exterior of the temple is decorated with various sculptures and carvings, including depictions of nayikas (female figures), dikpalas (guardians of the directions), vidalas, erotic figures, royal processions, animals and birds in friezes, naga and nagi pilasters.
• Additional Features: Within the temple premises, you can find Nandis (sacred bulls), miniature rekha shrines, elephants, a warrior figure, and various architectural fragments.

Protected Monument: The Bakresvara Temple is recognized as a protected monument under the Odisha State Archaeology and is under the administration of the Endowment Department, Government of Odisha.

Festivals

         Shivarathri, Kartika Purnima, Sankranti and Gamha Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Century/Period

12th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Beguniapada

Nearest Railway Station

Motari Station

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

Location on Map

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